Jonathan Pratt has become a familiar face on our TV screens as an antiques expert on Bargain Hunt, but away from the cameras he leads a quiet life with his family
Jonathan Pratt has become a beloved TV star on daytime TV for his in-depth antique knowledge on not only Bargain Hunt, but its sister shows Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip.
The 52-year-old made a name for himself in the antiques trade from an early age and specialises in jewellery, watches, English furniture and Persian carpets.
His enthusiasm for antiques and charming persona led to his invitation to join the team of Bargain Hunt in 2008, and he subsequently became a familiar face on other BBC shows, offering his knowledge to assist teams in finding items ripe for profit.
Away from the camera and auctioneer's gavel, Jonathan leads a quiet life in his 16th-century Hampshire home and loves acting with his local theatre group.
Here's a glimpse into the life of Bargain Hunt's very own Jonathan Pratt, including his career trajectory, personal life, and life at home.
Early life and career of Jonathan Pratt
It's clear that his ambition to enter the antiques trade was sparked early on, with Ian McShane's Lovejoy capturing his imagination. He recalls the TV series: "Ian McShane played the loveable antiques dealer and I found it fascinating how Lovejoy understood objects. It was as if they were speaking to him in a language that I didn't understand."
After completing his A-levels, he jumped into the world of antiques and earned a diploma in Fine Art and Chattels Valuation before diving deep into Gemmology to master the art of valuing bling and baubles.
Jonathan's knack for the trade catapulted him to the top dog spot as managing director at Dreweatts, followed by a solid 12-year stint heading Bellmans.
The BBC spotted his talents and invited him to join Bargain Hunt in 2008 and later Jonathan became a familiar face on The Antiques Road Trip and Flog It!
Reminiscing about his telly break, Jonathan recalled he had a chance encounter with Tim Wonnacott: "Back in 2007 I was at a friend's wedding, where I ran into Tim Wonnacott. I'd worked with Tim at Sotheby's, and he said to me, in his distinctive voice: 'Tell me, JP: would you stoop so low as to go on Bargain Hunt?".
"The rest is history."
Jonathan Pratt joined Dawsons Auctioneers as managing director in May 2024, an auction house that provides "professional, discrete current market valuation and sales advice for Fine Jewellery, Watches, Fine & Contemporary Art, Antiques, and family heirlooms".
Is Jonathan Pratt married?
Jonathan Pratt is currently married to Claire and they have four children together. Jonathan met his wife while working at Sotheby's and he was called to do an evaluation of some items.
He recounted to the Hampshire Chronicle: "She was working for a shipping company that went into administration and called in Sotheby's to do the contents valuation as there was a great collection of antiques and marine art."
"Within two months we were holidaying together, we were engaged by Christmas and married the following April."
Jonathan Pratt, who prefers to keep his family life away from the glare of social media, did however once share a glimpse into his personal world with rare photos of his family during a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Inside Jonathan Pratt's quiet home life
Currently, Jonathan resides in a charming 16th-century listed property in the quaint Hampshire village of West Meon, alongside his wife and their three younger children.
After spending a few years in Petersfield, the family returned to their roots in West Meon, nestled in the picturesque Meon Valley.
In a chat with the Hampshire Chronicle, he said: "There are many reasons why I love this village."
"You can walk a mile from our house to Winchester Hill and from there you can see as far as the Isle of Wight. In my 30s, I used to go walking up there a lot in the early mornings with my dog and one of my children in a carrier, so it has lots of memories for me and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else."
Jonathan previously shared that his hobbies included "Gardening, taxi driving the children, answering emails!" as well as looking after his three dogs and walking around rural Hampshire.
He's also become a member of the local theatre group, taking on roles in a musical rendition of Toad of Toad Hall, the World War II drama Welcome Home, Captain Fox and is set to feature as Ralph the Stage Manager in Kiss Me, Kate at the Theatre Royal, Winchester.
